Babe Ruth’s name isn’t tossed around much anymore to describe a ballplayer’s ability, but Chaz Lopez’s skillset as a two-way starting pitcher and hitter on Clark College’s baseball team gives Lopez one unique resemblance to the Great Bambino.
Or in Lopez’s case, head coach Mark Magdaleno goes a step further when talking about the sophomore transfer from Pacific Lutheran University.
“He’s three players in one body,” he said, adding Lopez also plays either corner outfield spot.
Not only is Lopez 6-0 with a 4.06 earned-run average, he entered last week’s four-game series versus Chemeketa batting .378. His team-high 22 hits include nine for extra bases.
Lopez’s story as a two-way player out of Covington dates back just months, not years. An all-league outfielder at Kentwood High, he didn’t start pitching until his senior year. Pitching is all Lopez did for two seasons at PLU, making 11 relief appearances in 2017 after a taking a redshirt year.
But Lopez wanted more. Ex-Clark player Trey Reinhard recommended the Penguins program to Lopez, who asked Magdaleno if he could hit, too.
“That was one of the first things I asked him,” Lopez said. “He managed guys who did both and had success. He manages really well with two-way players and makes it really easy on me.”
By January, Lopez enrolled at Clark.
Magdaleno is in his third season as Clark’s baseball coach. Dating back to his first coaching job at California’s Ventura College in 1983, he estimates he’s coached at least 10 two-way players with a handful who played professionally.
What’s key to a successful multi-tool player isn’t solely on physical talents, but having the mental toughness and smarts to know when pull back on the reins or push forward, Magdaleno said.
“You have to be able to lock in and do what you need to do on a daily basis,” he said.
“Some of the best players I’ve ever had are two-way guys.”
Lopez might be next in line.
He leads Clark’s pitching staff in wins and his total hits ranks second-best in the NWAC. Because of non-throwing injuries and ineligibility, Clark is currently down five pitchers yet still began the season 9-3. As the team’s No. 1 starter, Lopez moved to 6-0 after last Friday’s 12-6 win at Chemeketa.
Hitting, though, is Lopez’s favorite, but added there’s something special about pitching “because you’re the one in control.”
That’s led to a spike in confidence, where it’s never been higher. Lopez says he’s a different ballplayer than he was this time a year ago. In his short time at Clark, he’s also added a fourth pitch to his repertoire: the curveball.
But don’t look at Lopez as simply a pitcher. Or just an outfielder. Or designated hitter on days after starts on the mound.
Instead, he’s a baseball player.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Lopez said. “I’m loving it and it’s a lot of fun.”
